Sustainable Paving Precast concrete paving from Interpave manufacturers is demonstrably sustainable in every sense . As well as having low environmental impact , products are locally manufactured , making a vital contribution to the economy and community . Local material sourcing and product supply is also a key element and equivalent paving products shipped into the country bear a substantial CO2 emission load .
The ongoing availability of a complete range of products and accessories in a single , predictable material is also essential over the long-term . As substantial organisations , Interpave manufacturers working within the UK ’ s framework of standards and regulations easily achieve this aim . Modular concrete paving can be simply taken up and redeployed to meet new requirements ( such as social distancing ) or reinstated following excavation works , for example to access services , leaving minimal evidence . It is also worth remembering that all these benefits of precast concrete paving are available at an economic cost – in both initial and whole life terms .
SuDS Requirements Storm-water flood prevention is also important – particularly with climate change – and concrete block permeable paving is uniquely placed as an essential , multifunctional sustainable drainage ( SuDS ) technique . In addition to paving , it also provides an inherent drainage system that requires no additional land take for water storage , treatment or conveyance . This technology eliminates pipework , gulleys and manholes , and generally costs less than conventional drainage and paving .
But equally important are the longand short-term damage caused by pollutants in surface water runoff to the biodiversity and health of our rivers and streams . The Greater London Authority ‘ Road Runoff Water Quality Study ’ concluded that ‘ London ’ s roads are harming London ’ s rivers ’ and proposed SuDS features to manage runoff pollution from the most damaging roads . On any trafficked surface , concrete block permeable paving offers a real opportunity to address this major problem by trapping vehicle pollution from water runoff . At the same time , permeable paving can provide a completely level , welldrained , firm and slip-resistance surface accessible to all , without the need for cross-falls , channels , gulleys or other interruptions . Potholes and
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rainwater ‘ ponding ’ are eliminated , with less risk of ice forming on the surface and preventing splashing from standing water .
New Planning Policies Permeable paving also allows water to reach tree and shrub roots , while providing a hard surface above : in fact , the Code of Practice for accessibility , BS 8300- 1:2018 , calls for permeable paving instead of tree grilles . Tree planting and retention of existing trees in all developments , importantly with provision for long-term maintenance , have now become a priority with new government policies . These measures are needed to nurture and allow trees to mature and deliver their real potential – including net carbon storage , urban cooling through shading and evapotranspiration , biodiversity and public wellbeing .
The 2021 ‘ National Planning Policy Framework ’ states that : ‘ Planning policies and decisions should ensure that new streets are tree-lined … and appropriate measures are in place to secure the long-term maintenance of newly-planted trees .’ Concrete block permeable paving offers unique opportunities to collect , store and treat rainwater runoff , removing pollutants before irrigating trees and other green infrastructure . It offers a straightforward spatial solution to the new planning requirements , rather than complex maintenance agreements .
For more information , visit Interpave ’ s website – an essential resource covering all aspects of design with precast concrete products , including permeable paving and SuDS . It features exemplary project case studies , supported by background information for early design stages , as well as CPD material . A comprehensive series of technical documents covering all types of precast concrete paving products provide the definitive source of guidance for designers , specifiers and contractors – including detailing , construction and maintenance .
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